DETERMINANTS OF WILLINGNESS TO ENTER PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: AN EXAMINATION OF UNDERGRADUATE QUANTITY SURVEYING STUDENTS' INTENTIONS AT ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA

Purpose: This study explores the drivers influencing undergraduate Quantity Surveying students at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Nigeria, to pursue professional practice upon graduation. The research aims to understand the professional intentions of students from Years 1 through 5, who are expected to demonstrate an inclination toward entering this regulated profession post-degree.

Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to survey Quantity Surveying undergraduates across all levels at ATBU. Data were collected via questionnaires; of the 255 instruments distributed, 219 were returned, representing an 85.88% response rate. Analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores to identify demographic patterns and primary motivational determinants.

Findings: The sample was predominantly male, with Year 5 students and the 24–26 age brackets representing the largest demographics. Key factors influencing the initial choice of Quantity Surveying included familial pressure toward traditional professions, relatives already in the field, and peer or role model influences. Motivators for entering professional practice were ranked as follows: passion for the field (1st), job availability and demand (2nd), career advancement (3rd), and financial stability/good salaries (4th). Supporting elements from their studies were practical sessions (1st), SIWES (industrial training) experiences (2nd), and seminars/symposia (3rd).

The Research limitations/implications: Since the study focused on a single Nigerian public university, the results may not be broadly generalisable without further replication. These findings underscore the need for future research into gender dynamics and regional variations in student motivations. Theoretically, the study illustrates how personal, familial, and academic factors intersect to shape professional intentions within built environment disciplines.

The Practical implications: Institutions like ATBU should prioritise practical training, robust SIWES coordination, and career symposia to strengthen students' professional resolve. Additionally, professional bodies should engage in outreach targeting families and peers to mitigate external pressures, while policymakers should address job creation and competitive remuneration to sustain interest in the profession.

Originality/value: This research is among the first in Nigeria to quantitatively examine undergraduate intentions for Quantity Surveying practice through a significant single-institution sample. It provides fresh insights into the tension between intrinsic drivers (passion) and extrinsic motivators (employment/salary), offering actionable data for educators and professional stakeholders in a developing economy.